Jivamukti Yoga® Teacher Training

This rigorous monthlong teacher training program, for intermediate and advanced students, is a rare opportunity to study with the founders of Jivamukti Yoga, Sharon Gannon and David Life, and prepares you to become certified as a Jivamukti Yoga teacher.

Developed by Gannon and Life in 1986, Jivamukti Yoga integrates the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of yoga practices into a modern lifestyle without losing sight of the ancient and universal goal of the practice—liberation (jivamukti means “living liberated” in Sanskrit). The Jivamukti Yoga practice provides a pragmatic and experientially oriented life philosophy that is grounded in ethical precepts, guides inner and outer work, and provides us with a creative approach to living and being.

A Jivamukti Yoga class is a vigorous physical and spiritual practice that pushes beyond the limitations often imposed by the mind and incorporates five elements that form the foundation of each class: scripture, bhakti (devotion to God), ahimsa (nonviolence and compassion), nada yoga (deep listening), and meditation (connection with the unchanging reality within). This training includes:

• Study of Sanskrit and ancient yogic and Hindu scriptures
• Asana focus on standing poses, forward bends, twists, backbends, inversions, and balances, including assists and adjustments
• Jivamukti methodology and class sequences
• Physical and energetic anatomy
• Philosophy, ethics, lifestyle, and activism
• Practice teaching and observation
• Spiritual practices
• Sanskrit language immersion

The training also includes a special Spring Ecstatic Chant event, from May 7–9, with Sharon Gannon, David Life, and special guests.

Upon successful completion of the training, you are certified as a Jivamukti Yoga teacher. This course produces powerful, committed, informed, and confident yoga teachers able to incorporate chanting, asanas, music, meditation, and scriptural study into a challenging vinyasa practice. This training is not suited for those new to yoga; experience teaching yoga and/or experience with Jivamukti Yoga preferred. The course is designed to prepare you to teach the Jivamukti Yoga style; it is not a yoga “retreat.” Call Omega to request a letter explaining detailed course content, prerequisites, the special cancellation policy, and other information. Schedule and cofaculty are subject to change.David Life and Sharon Gannon are also teaching Jivamukti Yoga® Immersion; September 6-10, 2010, and are part of Being Yoga; August 20-22, 2010. Partial scholarships for this training are available. See our scholarships page or call 845.266.4444, ext. 120.

Sharon Gannon and David Life have been teaching yoga around the world for more than 20 years. They are recognized as “innovators in yoga” by Yoga Journal and are sought after by thousands of yoga students. Gannon and Life are authors of the widely-selling books, Jivamukti Yoga and The Art of Yoga, and articles in Yoga Journal and other publications, as well as videos and music. They have been featured on The Today Show and in Time, the New York Times, Vanity Fair, and many other publications. jivamuktiyoga.com

Joining Gannon and Life are Gabriela Bozic, cofounder and codirector of Jivamukti Yoga Centers in Munich, Germany; Ruth Lauer-Manenti, Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher; Manorama,Sanskrit expert; and Kriota Willberg, anatomy expert. This course will also be mentored by a dynamic group of Advanced Jivamukti Yoga teachers from around the world, led by Jeffrey Cohen.

Special Payment and Cancellation Policy: A $1,500 deposit is required for the training tuition and 50% of the total housing fee. This will hold your place. The balance is due by March 21, 2010 (cancellation deadline). Refunds are available (less a $100 processing fee) up to March 21; Between March 22-April 7 you can get a nonrefundable credit on your account (less a $100 processing fee). After April 7 all fees are nonrefundable. There is no refund if you leave the training early.